April or May 2005?

[Karibeth19]

When should we go next year? We are used to going during the slow times of Jan. and the beginning of Feb., but my husband just started a new job and does not have any vacation time during his first year. So, we will have to wait until at least April. I'm afraid we'll be so spoiled by the small crowds in Jan. and Feb. that we won't enjoy being there at a busier time. I know Easter is in March next year, so that won't be a factor, but I know there are still Spring Breaks going on into April, so would May be better? And, what about the weather? I'm sure it's pretty warm, but is it still tolerable? Any info anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. I'm a little sad we can't go at our usual time and that I have to wait a few months longer to go back. After all the stress we've been through with my husband leaving his old job, trying to find a new one, and now his being out of town for 12 weeks to train, I really feel like I need to be at WDW, not a year from now, but NOW!!!!!!! Thanks!

(How appropriate! I'm listening to Disney radio on Live 365, and just as I was typing that last line, "Wishes" came on! Makes me wish I was there right now even more!)

 

[tomi]

May is my favorite time of year to go. We try to stay away from April because of the crowds. But May is less crowded and still not unbearable for weather. It is usually in the mid to high 80s which I think is perfect. I am getting excited just thinking about it! We are going in 6 weeks! Also - the parks are open longer hours than in Jan. or Feb. Good luck planning your trip!

 

[kilee]

I'm going to second MAY. April, because of the Easter crowds, can be downright packed. The first part of May tends to be on the lighter side as far as crowds are concerned (not January empty), but usually better than April.

 

[Lorix2]

We've been 2x now in April, the 3rd week both times and the most recent trip, during Easter 2003.

The weather was just gorgeous. We thought the crowds were very managable - you're going to wait no matter what - but I don't think you can wrong with April OR May. I think the worst time would be end of June, July and August. Talk about unbearable crowds and heat.

I think I read that April has the least amount of rainfall? Anyway, we had one night only that it started to rain a bit, but it didn't ruin our plans.

We love April

 

[wdwphanatic]

... but I've been mid-May, and I guess I'm the exception to the rule because I found it to be very hot and sticky. The crowds were definitely manageable, however, so if you don't mind low-to-mid-90s weather, then this might be a good time to go. We also always go in late Jan./early Feb. and I would say the crowds weren't that much worse. In fact the only parks that were really noticeably more crowded were MK (no surprise there!) and MGM (it was Star Wars weekend). Even with the Flower festival at Epcot it wasn't very crowded there, as far as I can remember. We're trying out early Nov. this year, but might consider Spring 2005 as well. I was at US in Feb. this year and it was cold and rainy, which we've never experienced that time of year before... It kind of made me want to wait 'til at least March or April to guarantee a few sunny, warm days! Still don't think I'd return in May again, however -- it was just too hot for touring the parks, IMO...

Happy planning,
Sarah